"Rhytids" are wrinkles - Rhytidectomy literally means the surgical removal of wrinkles. A facelift normally includes the mid-face/cheek area as well as the neck. This procedure will remove excess skin and usually addresses the underlying muscle and connective tissue or SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), then tighten the remaining skin to return the face to a more youthful presentation. A facelift only addresses sagging and loose skin. It does not change the texture or pigmentation of the facial skin.